Portsmouth 13th July - 13th September
Hampshire is ready to welcome you for an unforgettable year of culture, coast and great days out. Whether you love historic cities, family‑friendly attractions or beautiful countryside, you’ll find plenty to Hampshire events to enjoy across the county in every season.
From city celebrations and outdoor festivals to family attractions and seasonal events, Hampshire offers an exciting calendar of events throughout 2026. This summer, in Portsmouth, the city celebrates its 100th anniversary, with a host of events and a 100 things to see and do - one of the highlights is the fun and colourful summer of lion sculptures dotted across streets and along the seafront, perfect for families, art lovers and anyone looking for a fresh way to explore - on from the 13 July - 13 September (F). It's the final weekend of the Basingstoke Festival 4 - 5 July, with street theatre, acrobatics, and world-class performances - free to visit (F), whilst in East Hampshire now is the perfect time to visit the beautiful Lavender Fields near Alton. In Winchester, the brand new outdoor Play Wild opens at Winchester Science Centre from the 18 July, inviting curiosity and discovery through science and nature-themed play.
Get your skates on down to Southampton's RollerLand at Westquay, for roller skating lessons, regular and late skate sessions this summer, 17 - 30 August, plus the chance to enjoy some retail therapy at more 70 stores, including John Lewis. The fantastic fast and furious British Motor Show returns to Farnborough from 21 - 23 August, with supercars, a test-driving zone, pit lane experience and festival fields. If you book before the 16 August you can save up to 20% on ticket prices.
From scenic coastlines and vibrant events to cosy villages, walking trails and excellent places to eat, Hampshire is the ideal destination for a short break or longer escape. Start planning your 2026 summer adventure today and discover some of the county's top events, attractions and experiences.
Grab your calendar and take a look at what's happening in Hampshire over the coming months with our featured events list or scroll to the bottom and discover hundreds of events happening today, this weekend and across this year.
You can find a wide range of events taking place across Hampshire today and this weekend, including theatre shows, interactive workshops, wildlife experiences and outdoor events in the Hampshire countryside. Use the date filters above, or browse the listings to find lots of inspiration and ideas for something happening near you. Families on a budget can look out for the many free events (Free) taking place.
If you're travelling from outside the county for an event in Hampshire, there are numerous hotels and other accommodation options to suit your needs. Search Hampshire accommodation to plan your stay, whether your choose the coastal city of Portsmouth or Southampton, Winchester - the ancient capital of England - or a more rural stay in Chawton or Alton, East Hampshire.
Yes, Hampshire hosts a wide range of family-friendly events throughout the year, from nature trails, outdoor festivals, science fairs and interactive school holiday activities. Use the 'type filter' in the search box above and choose family to find suitable events. During the summer holidays and key seasonal periods, you'll find even more events designed for children and families, with activities suitable for all ages.
The guide below shows our full calendar of events in Hampshire. Whether you're looking for what's on this weekend or planning further ahead, you'll find plenty of inspiration. If you're local or visiting Hampshire for the first time, use the 'Map View' button to discover events happening near you.
Some of the events below take place on the Isle of Wight, which is easily accessible by ferry or hovercraft from Portsmouth or Lymington.
Number of results: 142
, currently showing 1 to 20.
Festival
Ryde
Steampunk Festival fun on the Isle of Wight Join us to find out what all the excitement is about for the biggest and best Isle of Wight Steampunk Festival 2026 in Ryde. There will be two full days of splendidness between the 18 and 20 September!…
Exhibitions
Lymington
Elmer and Mr Benn: the Magic of David McKee
11 July – 6 September
St Barbe Museum + Art Gallery is delighted to announce Elmer, Mr Benn… the magic of David McKee, a vibrant new exhibition celebrating one of Britain's most beloved and influential…
Music
Winchester
Get ready to launch into an unlimited sonic universe at Winchester Science Centre!
Queen, the band that shook the cosmos with their groundbreaking sound, leaves us a cosmic legacy that transcends time and touches the soul.
Run / Rally
New Forest
We are delighted to announce the return of Simply Aston Martin on Sunday 23 August 2026.
All Aston Martin owners are invited to drive into Beaulieu and park up within the museum complex for a superb day out for both Aston Martin owners and…
Carnival
Ventnor
Children's Carnival in Ventnor on the Isle of Wight Fun for all the family at Ventnor Children's Carnival!
Carnival route information For the route details please visit the carnival website.
Outdoor Event / Activities
New Forest
This summer experience the Vile Victorians like you've never seen them before in our Horrible Histories® trail, some very special guests have returned to Beaulieu, plus you can meet living history, enjoy magical extras, and magnificent motoring…
Outdoor Event / Activities
Sarson Lane, Andover
Saturday May 30, June 20, July 11, July 25, August 8 and August 22
Doors open 5:30pm | Flying display commences 7pm
The Hawk Conservancy Trust invites you to a special summer's evening with their feathered friends. Against a setting sun, you'll…
Childrens Events
Winchester
Put on your headphones and step into the world of K-Pop at the Winchester Science Centre high-energy family silent disco!
Choose your music channel and dance under colourful lights inspired by the global K-Pop scene. Join us for an unforgettable…
Music
Winchester
Journey beyond the stars in an extraordinary experience that combines classical music and the cosmos at Winchester Science Centre.
Set beneath the vast dome of a planetarium, this immersive live event transports audiences through breathtaking…
Heritage & History
Churchill Way West, Winchester
Basingstoke HEMA (Historic European Martial Arts) and Andover HEMA will be displaying their skills with clashes of swords and armour in the magnificent, historic setting of The Great Hall.
Sword fighting experts will be battling it out with…
General event
Southampton
One way trip to Southampton, departing Poole Quay, passengers make their own way back to Poole. (coach transport may be booked – see separate form). See the sights of Poole Harbour, passing Brownsea Island and Sandbanks, Old Harry Rocks, Hengistbury…
Outdoor Event / Activities
Sarson Lane, Andover
Sunday March 22, May 17 and September 20
10:00am-5:30pm
The Hawk Conservancy Trust are excited to be collaborating with CW Events to bring their visitors an exciting Artisan Market experience on select Sundays throughout 2026!
See the Hawk…
Fireworks
Southampton
Get ready, Southampton... the South Coast’s BIGGEST and most spectacular fireworks night is back for 2026 – and it's going to be an absolute blast! Mayflower Park Fireworks takes place on Saturday 7th November 2026 at Mayflower Park Southampton.
Walking
Islandwide
Walk this way! The Isle of Wight Walking Festival, sponsored by Outdooractive, will return in Spring and Autumn 2026.
Heritage & History
Portsmouth
Take in the personal histories of World War One as part of Heritage Open Days.
Outdoor Event / Activities
Winchester
Get ready for the wildest summer adventure as Zoofest returns to Marwell Zoo from **23 July to 31 August**. This brand-new, festival-inspired celebration is packed with family fun, bringing together incredible wildlife, live entertainment and…
Outdoor Event / Activities
Sarson Lane, Andover
Friday September 11
4:30pm-7:30pm
Planning your unique wedding day? Join the Hawk Conservancy Trust for an enchanting evening to discover what your dream wedding day could look like at the Hawk Conservancy Trust!
Filled with wedding inspiration,…
Childrens Events
Winchester
Get ready for a generational showdown at Winchester Science Centre!
Step into a high-energy family silent disco where the battle of the decades begins! Will you side with the iconic tunes of the 90s & 00s, or vibe along to the biggest hits from the…
Carnival
Yarmouth
Yarmouth Carnival Week on the Isle of Wight Events every day of the week at Yarmouth Carnival from Saturday 15 August to Saturday 22 August 2026 - come and join in the fun!
Family fun activities all week There are a variety of family fun…
Run / Rally
New Forest
We are delighted to announce the return of Simply Jaguar on Sunday 16 August 2026.
All Jaguar owners are invited to drive into Beaulieu and parked up in the National Motor Museum grounds for a superb day for owners and enthusiasts.
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